I'm going to buy a new computer and I would appreciate it if someone could tell me what basic specs I should look for to be able to play newer games like the new MCF game.

Kim

First thing to know is what is your budget? Laptop or desktop?

But like Jenny and Inland have mentioned before, make sure you get dedicated graphics. The new Sandy Bridge (or 2nd Generation) processors have graphics built into the processor. I'm seeing a lot of the new computers sold with that for the only graphics. I'm not sure how well they work for gaming or how they compare with the older graphics chips that were integrated into the motherboard. I've built a couple of low-end computers only using the processor graphics and they look gorgeous, but I'm thinking they won't be sufficient for gaming and you will still need dedicated graphics. I'm Jenny or Inland will know more.

At least 4 GB of RAM for sure.

Hi Drac my budget is low, about $350 and I prefer a desktop. Not sure what dedicated graphics are?

Kim

For games, the main things are the video card and the RAM. If you get a computer with Windows 7, I'd agree with Draclvr that 4GB RAM would be the minimum amount of RAM.

I think you should save up more money before buying a computer. You won't get much for $350, and what you do get at that price probably won't be upgradable. If you get a computer with a weak video card and power supply that can't be upgraded, you'll be throwing your money away (assuming you want the computer for gaming).

If you like games and you are with a low budget, haven't considered to buy a PS3 or XBOX that will be able to play any game released for them?

Console games are a little bit more expensive but it is easy to get them pre-owed at much cheaper price and can be traded in.

I agree with Jenny - you won't get a computer that can play new games like the new MCF for $350. I'd start saving up for a new computer or do like mcc suggests although I don't think you can play BFG on an XBox.

Integrated graphics are built in to the motherboard and share video memory with the computer memory. A dedicated video card means just that - it has its own video memory and is a stand-alone video card.

A good way to find out what you need is to look at the ecollegePC website. They build computers for you. I put together the most rock bottom computer desktop with a dedicated video card I could and it came up to $512.

Intel Dual-Core E5800 3.2Ghz 2MB Cache FSB 800
Stock Intel LGA775 Heatsink and Fan
ASUS P5G41T-M LX (Intel X4500 Video G41, PCI-E, 4xSATA, 2xDDR3)
4GB (2GBx2) PC3 10666 DDR3 1333Mhz Memory Lifetime Warranty
500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA3 (Major Brand)
24X LG SATA Dual Layer DVD /-RW/CDRW w/Nero
1GB ATI Radeon HD6450 GDDR3 PCI-E DVI/HDMI (Major Brand)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
Foxconn Black TLM436 (2 5.25, 6 3.5) Fan, Front Audio/USB
ISO400 Foxconn Stock Power Supply
Onboard LAN included
Onboard Sound included
Wires and Cables neatly tied up away from fans
3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty

Thnaks guys for your input. Special thanks to you Drac for the extra effort. This is obviously a site you trust so I'll check it out. Maybe able to come up with extra $.
Kim

Be sure to come back here for further suggestions from others, Kim!

Kim, I got my computer from ecollege and I'm very happy with it.

Gil.

Does ecollege customize laptops?

No, they don't Winfrey. The do sell a few Asus laptops. A couple of places I know of that customize laptops are Cyberpower and Sager. Sager has some pretty good Black Friday deals...

Thanks guys, I'll keep checking back

Kim

does this sound like a good computer :

Acer desktop
Intel pentium dual core processor E6700
4GB DDR3 memory
1TB hard drive
Intergrated Intel graphics
can be bought at HH Gregg for $389.

I am still looking into ecollege but wanted to know what you think about this one
Kim

This one is good for internet browsing, email and light usage, but would not be a good one if you plan on doing any gaming - even casual gaming such as Big Fish Games.

As Jenny said earlier in this thread, you will not get a computer that will do any gaming in this price range. The problem here is the Intel Integrated Graphics - this is something you should stay away from.

Yeah, integrated isn't what you want for basically anything. The rest seems like a pretty good system. Perhaps you could get it but also get a good graphics card..make sure your system has an AGP or PCI-express slot. You can get a decent(not terrific, but decent) card for $90 that'll way outperform that integrated graphics chipset.